07 April 2023 , 19:33
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Next week’s doctors’ strike poses a “catastrophic risk” to patients, health chiefs say.
Up to half the junior doctors in England could to be absent for four days from Tuesday.
A quarter of a million appointments are expected to be axed.
In last month’s strike consultants and nurses covered shifts but many are now on holiday.
Dr Layla McCay of the NHS Confederation, said: “Health leaders are bracing themselves with many aspects of patient care on a knife edge. “The NHS will be open for business but not business as usual.”
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
One health leader said “patient safety will be compromised” with A&Es likely to be “utterly overwhelmed”. Another warned that, combined with Easter and knock-on effects, hospitals face a “catastrophic risk” over 11 days.
Many aspects of patient care on a knife edge (PA)They added: “Consultants who covered last time are now owed time in lieu. Also, the next strike falls over Easter when a lot of consultants have booked leave.”
Medical demand usually soars at Easter. Last year calls to NHS 111 were up 37%.
Doctors want a 35% rise, claiming pay is down 26% in real terms.The Government calls it unreasonable and unaffordable.Yesterday doctors’ leaders said the strike could still be called off.
The onus was on the Health Secretary to table a credible offer.
However, they added: “The clock is ticking.”